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66
A considerable number of cases of middle ear disease were sent
for treatment, and Dr. Porter states that in all probability without
routine attendance at a centre the parents if they realised the need,
for treatment at all, would often defer it indefinitely and lose the
opportunity for cure presented by the earlier stages of the disease.
Dr. Porter states that chronic middle ear disease is so common,
so slow and difficult to cure, and attended by so many serious consequences
that the opportuniry for its early recognition and
treatment which occurs at these centres is worthy of special
mention.
*4.—HACKNEY MOTHERS' AND BABIES' WELCOME.
(Dr. J. M. Laughton.)
Number of times Centre open 102
Number of primary cases brought to the Centre 535
Repeated visits to Centre 5,804
Total attendances 6,339
Total attendances of infants under one year 5,811
Total attendances of children over 1 year 528
Dr. Laughton states that the work of the Hackney Mother's
and Babies' Welfare Centre has been continued on the same lines as
hitherto. The mothers have been instructed as to the best methods
of feeding their infants, breast feeding being encouraged whenever
possible, and bottle feeding has been regulated where it is necessary.
Owing to the increase of unemployment towards the end of the
year, many mothers suffered from insufficiency of milk supply and
had to get assistance in the form of free milk.
Only a few simple remedies, such as are required to improve
the mothers' supply of milk, or to combat slight ailments like constipation
or sickness, are used at the centre. Cases requiring
medical attention were referred to their own medical attendant or
in a few instances to hospital.
• Voluntary Centre.